A catalytic grant to Radiant Hall supported the Knotzland Artist Residency and ongoing efforts of Radiant Hall Studios to build their organizational culture and practice around equity and access.

Concerned that their current programming and structure was leaving some artists behind, Radiant Hall approached Neighborhood Allies in early 2020 with an idea designed to address disparities in participation by creating opportunities for artists from traditionally underrepresented/underserved communities by providing free studio space for two artists per year at Radiant Hall Susquehanna. 

“In addition to eliminating financial barriers, this project aims to address the psychological barriers that are formed when artists who would benefit from membership at Radiant Hall do not see other artists in our studios who look like them or identify with them culturally. Our hope is that this helps to break the cycle, so that more artists from marginalized communities will see Radiant Hall as a place where they are welcome and included.”

-Shanae Phillips, Managing Director at Radiant Hall

In Spring of 2020, Neighborhood Allies provided a $10,600 catalytic grant to Radiant Hall to support the Knotzland Artist Residency. Launched in collaboration with Nisha Blackwell, Director of Radiant Hall’s Susquehanna (Homewood) studio and Founder of Knotzland Bowties, the Residency offered participants access to the full range of benefits provided to all Radiant Hall artists, including 24-hour access to secure, functional studio space with all utilities included, shared tools and supplies, and a broad range of professional development opportunities. 

With our support, three artists, Karen Howard, Corey Carrington, and Charles Kachale were provided support and mentorship through the Knotzland Residency program. 

“The Knotzland residency has helped my artistic practice grow exponentially in a variety of ways that are both tangible & intangible. Having a physical studio location where I can create comfortably has given me the confidence to take my practice from a passion to a profession. Within a year of my residency I have established Deeper Than Grits Studios as an LLC, received business funding from Bridgeway Capital and Axiom Pittsburgh, created an e-commerce site, established a vendor relationship with Argyle Studio, been featured in two art exhibits, participated in an artist critique and a writer critique with Radiant Hall, and signed contracts to curate two exhibits with in the next two years. I am now working for Deeper Than Grits Studios full time as its Owner & Creative Director. One of the benefits that the residency has provided me is getting to create new work. This is the first time that I am experiencing some of my art in a studio space allowing me to visualize the full scope and possibility of each piece. I am extremely pleased with my experience as a Knotzland Residency artist. I am very inspired by the connections that have been made and I look forward to sharing what I have learned & accomplished through my residency with Knotzland, Radiant Hall, and the Pittsburgh Arts community.”

-Corey Carrington, Artist in Residence

Our grant also supported ongoing efforts of Radiant Hall Studios to build their organizational culture and practice around equity and access:

• Prior to beginning this project, the studio community was approximately 18% non-white. Based on self-reported data, BIPOC artists now account for at least 24% of their membership base (possibly as much as 30%).
• They will be welcoming three BIPOC artists in their studios this fall/winter through a collaboration with BOOM Concepts.

With support from The Pittsburgh Foundation, Radiant Hall is planning to expand this program to serve additional artists across all three of their studio locations: Homewood, Lawrenceville, and McKees Rocks. They are also exploring opportunities to expand eligibility to include individuals from other marginalized groups, such as artists with disabilities. For more information and opportunities to partner or participate, reach out to Shanae Phillips, Managing Director of Radiant Hall Studios at shanae@radianthall.org.